A fresh coat of paint is undoubtedly the quickest way to update any space, but that doesn't mean you should rush into choosing a colour. In a room as important as the kitchen, the right shade can make or break the entire scheme. After all, so many of your kitchen's key design elements — from splashbacks and worktops to hardware, cabinetry and metal finishes — hinge on the paint colour you choose.
It might be tempting to take your cue from social media, but while there's nothing wrong with embracing a trend, it's worth remembering that today's viral paint colour could quickly date your space. If you're looking for a kitchen that will stand the test of time, choosing a timeless shade is a far safer investment.
Lucy Steele, Resident Colour Expert at Valspar, has noticed 'a clear shift away from brilliant whites and flat greys' as homeowners ‘gravitate towards softer creams and richer greiges that feel warmer, more considered and effortlessly timeless’.
‘Unlike brighter whites, these nuanced neutrals create a layered, premium look that makes kitchens feel more inviting while providing a versatile backdrop that works beautifully with changing trends,’ says Lucy.
For a similarly understated look, Lucy recommends grounded shades such as Valspar's Brushed Cotton, Goose Feathers and Whisper Softly, which she says ‘offer a clean counterpoint that isn’t overly stark, maintaining warmth, balance and enduring appeal’.
For a more nuanced take on the classic white kitchen, creams with soft, earthy undertones add depth without leaning too heavily into yellow or beige. These versatile neutrals work effortlessly with a wide range of materials and colours, from rich timber cabinetry and natural stone to aged brass hardware and pops of greenery.
If you're looking to recreate the look, Lulu Leonard -Biebuyck, Lead Colour Consultant at Lick, suggests choosing 'soft creams and greige' which have 'a wonderful homeliness to them'. She goes on to tell us that 'these soft, neutral shades bring a quiet sense of luxury, making a space feel effortlessly elegant and expensive without feeling formal.'
‘These soft, neutral shades bring a quiet sense of luxury, making a space feel effortlessly elegant and expensive without feeling formal,’ she explains.
The exact shade will depend on the amount and direction of natural light your kitchen receives, so it's always worth testing samples at different times of day before committing.
Lulu explains that 'what you choose for a north-facing room will be different to what you choose for a south-facing space'. For north-facing kitchens, the trick is choosing 'a slightly warmer shade than you’d usually gravitate towards' to create 'a cosy, inviting room that cancels out the cool undertones coming in'. In a south-facing room, she suggests ‘a slightly cooler cream with earthy brown undertones to balance the warm natural light so it doesn’t feel too yellow’.
Lulu's favourite combination for a cream scheme is a classic white (White 03) paired with a grey with strong green undertones (Greige 01), creating subtle contrast and a natural, grounding feel. On kitchen cabinets, she says, ‘it will feel beautifully restful and nurturing.’
Beyond choosing the right shade, the materials you pair with cream or greige can help elevate the finished look. Sally Hinks, designer at Harvey Jones, says these shades ‘work beautifully with bespoke cabinetry, particularly because they allow the detail of the kitchen to come through rather than letting the colour dominate’.
She particularly likes pairing ‘softer tonal palettes with natural materials’. She explains: ‘Calacatta marble or stone worktops, oak flooring and timber accents introduce texture and prevent the scheme from feeling too uniform, while aged brass or bronze hardware can add another layer of warmth.’
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